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Orientation to Field Work

Orientation to Field Work

• Why field work is necessary• Why this orientation is necessary• What NOT to do in the field• What to do in the field• Conclusion

Why is field work necessary?

• You can’t solve a problem unless you really understand it.

• You can’t solve rural poverty by sitting at a desk in an air-conditioned office on the other side of the world.

Why is this orientation necessary?• We hold our field staff to these same rules• Rural areas and India are new to many of

you• Field work is new to almost everyone in the

room• There have been past incidents!

How NOT to behave

• Do NOT accept food, water, or anything else from respondents

• Do NOT smoke, curse, drink alcohol, consume paan, etc. in or around respondents

• Do NOT take photos of someone without his or her explicit permission

• Do NOT give money, gifts, etc. to respondents or surveyors

How NOT to behave

• Do NOT interrupt an ongoing survey, even if you see problems. Instead, immediately after the survey, talk to the surveyor separately. Additionally, inform the supervisor afterwards.

Ladies AND men:

•Anything “tank top,” camisole, etc. (Even sleeveless is a little

risky in the rural areas)

•Anything above the knee

•Anything really tight

•Anything that reveals underwear

•If you are unsure, ask your fellow RA

What to do in the field

• Pay attention to what your supervisor asks you to do: he or she knows best how to act in your particular situation.

• Keep your mobile charged and on, but on SILENT or VIBRATE mode

What to do in the field

• Be polite. Remember, you are a guest in someone’s home and in someone’s village.

• Do your best not to attract attention.– Walk behind the surveyors– Sit in the back of a room, instead of at the chair

in the front

• Smile!

What to do in the field

• Be gracious– Thank the respondent for letting us visit her

home and take her time– Thank the surveyor who let you visit